The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) will roll out an updated version of the Form AOC-4 starting July 14, 2025, applicable to financial statements for the year ending March 31, 2025. This new format, to be filed through the MCA V3 portal, is designed to simplify compliance and enhance the accuracy of data submitted by companies.
One of the most notable upgrades is the integration of key reports—such as the Directors’ Report, Auditors’ Report, AOC-1, and AOC-2—directly within the filing system. Companies will no longer need to upload these as separate PDF documents. Additionally, the CSR-2 and AOC-4 CFS forms will now be auto-linked to the primary AOC-4, ensuring all related filings are submitted together.
The revised form will also auto-populate figures from the previous financial year. Any changes to this data will require a clear explanation. To ease the process further, redundant sections have been removed, and companies can choose between online and offline filing modes.
The new version also introduces mandatory reporting of any qualifications identified in the Secretarial Audit and includes dedicated provisions for companies undergoing CIRP or liquidation. Importantly, existing XBRL taxonomies will still be applicable, maintaining uniformity in financial reporting across years.
Key Changes in the New AOC-4 Form
1. In-built Attachments Instead of PDFs
Separate uploads like the Directors’ Report, Auditor’s Report, AOC-1, and AOC-2 are now integrated as linked sections—no external PDFs required.
2. CSR and Consolidated Financials Linked
CSR-2 and AOC-4 CFS are now connected to the main AOC-4 form. This makes submission faster and avoids duplicate data entry.
3. Prefilled Data with Mandatory Justification
Last year’s figures will auto-populate in this year’s filing. If values are changed, explanations must be provided before submission.
4. Cleaner Format with Smart Filing Options
Redundant fields are gone. You can file either online or offline, depending on preference or need.
5. Disclose Secretarial Audit Remarks
Companies must now report qualifications from the Secretarial Audit, increasing transparency.
6. Filing for Insolvency or Liquidation Made Easier
The form now allows proper filing for companies under CIRP or liquidation, reducing confusion in such cases.
7. No Changes in XBRL Taxonomies
The financial data format remains unchanged, so companies using XBRL can continue with existing structures.
What This Means for Companies
This update isn’t just cosmetic—it streamlines how data flows across MCA’s systems and puts more focus on financial clarity and cross-checks. Businesses should take this change seriously, especially with automated checks and validations becoming stricter.
How to Prepare
- Update your compliance checklist to include the revised format.
- Ensure internal teams are briefed on the structural and data changes.
- Avoid last-minute surprises by testing the new form layout before the deadline.
Bottom Line
The updated AOC-4 form is MCA’s push toward simpler, structured reporting. With linked annexures, prefilled data, and better integration, companies can save time—but only if they stay prepared.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, regulatory changes or updates by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) may alter its applicability. Readers are advised to consult a qualified professional or refer to official MCA notifications before making any compliance-related decisions.
